Columbia Maryland Film Festival Returns for 8th Season, Sept. 7–13, With Its Largest Lineup Built Around Human Stories
Columbia Maryland Film Festival Returns for 8th Season, Sept. 7–13, With Its Largest Lineup Built Around Human StoriesMore than 55 films, three Howard County venues, and a week of stories about struggle, growth, and connectionCOLUMBIA, Md., August 11, 2026: The Columbia Maryland Film Festival is rolling out the red carpet for its unforgettable 8th season from September 7–13, 2026, with over 55 live, in-person film screenings hosted at the Horowitz Visual and Performing Arts Center (Howard Community
News Release: 8/8/2026
Howard County Winery Celebrates Double Bronze This year marked the 26th annual Finger Lakes International Wine & Spirits Competition where Penn Oaks Winery added two wines to their award winners list. Coming off a bronze and silver win in 2025, the family winery located in Cooksville, MD, was excited to receive two bronze awards for their selected entries into this year’s competition. Regent, a bold German red high in tannins from prolonged skin contact post crush has notes of blackberry, black currant,
DP Solutions Achieves CMMC Level 2 Certification
August 5, 2026 – Columbia, MD – DP Solutions, a leading managed IT and cybersecurity provider serving organizations throughout the Mid-Atlantic, today announced it has achieved Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) Level 2, demonstrating its commitment to protecting sensitive information and maintaining the highest standards of cybersecurity for its clients. CMMC Level 2 is a cybersecurity certification established by the U.S. Department of War (DoW) for organizations that store, process, or
Collaborative Shared Technologies LLC Announces Continued Growth and Expanded Consulting Services
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASECollaborative Shared Technologies LLC® Launches to Help Federal Agencies Modernize Knowledge Management, AI Governance, and Enterprise Transformation UPPER MARLBORO, Maryland — Collaborative Shared Technologies LLC® today announced its continued expansion as a boutique federal consulting firm dedicated to helping government agencies transform the way they manage knowledge, information, processes, and emerging artificial intelligence capabilities. The company delivers mission-focused
Before the Marketing Starts: A Branding Framework for Howard County Small Businesses
Trust is the purchase trigger that most marketing spend can't manufacture directly. According to a 2026 branding research roundup, 81% of consumers need to trust a brand before buying, and 94% recommend brands they feel emotionally connected with — making trust and emotional resonance the most efficient growth levers a small business can pull. In Howard County's competitive market, where professional services, tech companies, and independent retailers compete for the same customers, your brand is often
Sales Pitch Techniques That Help Small Businesses Close More Deals
Small businesses often rely on sales pitches to win contracts, secure partnerships, and close deals. A sales pitch is a structured explanation of a product or service designed to persuade a potential buyer to take action. When done well, it builds trust, clarifies value, and reduces hesitation.Key Takeaways A strong sales pitch clearly defines the problem, the impact, and the outcome. Specific examples and measurable results increase credibility. Organizing presentation materials improves confidence
Modernizing Day-to-Day Operations Without Breaking the Bank
Running a local business today is not just about selling products or services — it’s about how smoothly you operate behind the scenes. Customers notice inefficiency, employees feel friction, and partners measure reliability. Outdated tools and manual processes quietly drain time, money, and goodwill. Modernization is no longer a “nice-to-have.” It’s the new foundation for sustainable growth. By updating everyday workflows, local businesses can cut hidden costs, strengthen trust, and run leaner, smarter
How Entrepreneurs Can Stay Financially Grounded Every Day
Even the most visionary founders face a familiar foe: the daily chaos of managing a business’s money. While grand ambitions light the path ahead, the short-term nuts and bolts—tracking expenses, monitoring cash flow, and planning for the unknown—often trip up even the savviest. There’s no glamour in reconciling receipts or forecasting shortfalls, but neglecting them is a fast route to stagnation or worse. Entrepreneurs looking to scale or simply survive must sharpen their daily financial discipline
David vs. Goliath in the Digital Age: How Small Businesses Are Leveraging Smarts Over Size
There’s a recurring storyline in the modern marketplace that feels almost mythological: the local business trying to survive in the shadow of a corporate giant. But the era of technology has brought with it more than just disruption—it’s leveled the playing field in ways that still catch many by surprise. Small businesses, often dismissed as underdogs, now have access to the kinds of tools and strategies once reserved for companies with sprawling departments and budgets. What sets the winners apart isn't
Smarter Ways to Start and Grow Your Small Business
Starting a small business is a venture that demands both enthusiasm and strategic foresight. New entrepreneurs often face a myriad of challenges that can impede their progress if not addressed proactively. Understanding the landscape of potential obstacles is crucial for laying a solid foundation for your business. By focusing on key areas such as technology adoption, financial management, and customer engagement, you can better position your business for success. This guide aims to equip you with the
Must-Know Legal Insights for Entrepreneurs Starting Their Own Businesses
Entrepreneurship is a fast-paced world where opportunities and challenges constantly collide. Every decision carries potential legal consequences, directly influencing the future of any new venture. A solid grasp of the legal environment is crucial to safeguarding your business from unexpected threats. Legal knowledge becomes a vital tool for protecting intellectual property and maintaining regulatory compliance. Equip yourself with these insights to build a strong foundation for sustainable
